HC Deb 18 June 1998 vol 314 cc276-7W
Ms Keeble

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the upgrade of the West Coast Mainline from rail users in Northampton. [45317]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The West Coast Main Line remains a high profile rail infrastructure project which attracts a high level of public interest. On 7 April, I met a delegation from Northampton to discuss service issues for Northampton. As part of the consultation process I understand that the Rail Regulator consulted both local authorities (County and District) and the RUCCs on the WCML upgrade.

Ms Keeble

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation there has been with rail users in Northampton over the proposed upgrade of the West Coast Mainline agreed by the Rail Regulator. [45318]

Ms Glenda Jackson

I understand that the Rail Regulator consulted both local authorities (county and district) and the Rail Users Consultative Committees on the West Coast Main Line upgrade.

Ms Keeble

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on Northampton's train services of the West Coast Mainline upgrade agreed by the Rail Regulator. [45320]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The Franchising Director has considered the impact of the PUG2 scheme when completed for services between London and Northampton. He has satisfied himself that Railtrack will be able to maintain the existing journey times for peak services, and also maintain the current number of such services. The Regulator has taken this advice into account in approving the PUG2 agreement.

Ms Keeble

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what access trains serving Northampton will have to the fast lines on the West Coast Mainline following the upgrade agreed by the Rail Regulator. [45319]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Railtrack has indicated that it will be able to maintain the existing journey times for the fast peak Northampton services which currently use fast lines.

In addition, the upgrade will provide for some spare capacity on the fast lines for operators other than Virgin, which could potentially include faster services via Northampton.